Everything you need to know about Liverpool Theatre Festival which starts this week

There’ll be a range of productions from comedy, drama, music and opera, to musical theatre, drag, and family shows in the festival which has become hugely popular since it was launched in the city in 2020. 

The fourth Liverpool Theatre Festival is set to start this week with 18 shows and 24 performances over 11 days.

Producer and artistic director Bill Elms, says: “This year we’ve moved the festival to coincide with the school holidays and have a great line-up, making theatre accessible and affordable for everyone.

“We’d love people to join us for live entertainment in a fantastic setting. We want this to be a real summer highlight in Liverpool.”

So with the countdown on, here’s everything you need to know…

When is Liverpool Theatre Festival on?

Liverpool Theatre Festival is on from Thursday, July 20, to Sunday, July 30.

Where is it on?

It will take place outdoors in St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Leece Street, Liverpool city centre. 

What is Liverpool Theatre Festival and how did it start?

Liverpool Theatre Festival was created by city theatre producer Bill Elms after theatres and live entertainment venues were ordered to close as part of the Government’s first national Covid lockdown in March 2020.

It was Bill’s mission to give new life to, and boost, the city’s live performance and creative arts sector, offering a lifeline when it was needed most. 

Since its inaugural staging in Autumn 2020, it’s won praise from audiences, and awards along the way, and it’s committed to supporting local artists, creatives, and theatre companies. 

Can I still get tickets?

Yes tickets are still available for shows but you’d be wise to book as soon as possible to ensure your seat.

How much are tickets?

Tickets for shows vary, but they start from £10 and there are family tickets available for some shows.

Is it just for adults?

Not at all. This year’s festival boastsits biggest and most diverse programme to date featuring variety and cabaret, comedy, opera, drama, musicals, and drag acts, and the strongest family line up to date.  There will be nine family shows staged during the festival – which coincides with the school Summer holidays for the first time – so there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy.

New commissions

The festival includes the announcement of three new commissions to be premiered at Liverpool Theatre Festival: Sober Companion, a brand-new play written by and starring Joe McGann and Jake Norton which explores the funny, raw, and sometimes dark places of fame, addiction, and recovery; and two new children’s shows, Fred TheMusical, based on the book about a fire-sneezing dragon by Fay Evans, and The Oogy Boogy Man, a folk tale of a lonely ogre, written by Gary Edward Jones.

Will it celebrate Pride Weekend in the city?

Yes it will. Liverpool City Region Pride Festival takes place between July 28-30 and LTF shows have been specifically programmed around these dates to complement the weekend’s celebrations, including:

Laughterhouse Comedy – Pride Special on Friday, July 28, with two performances at 6pm and 8.30pm. MC Jonathan Major will introduce some of the best LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians including Bethany Black who’s been performing for more than 20 years and is blessed with a sharp tongue and a desire to overshare, and Welshman Morgan Rees whose energetic and hilarious routine is packed with one-liners, rolling stories, and superb observations. Suitable for age 16 upwards. 

Dame Fanny & Her Fabulous Friends on Sunday, July 30 at 12pm.  The diva that is Dame Fanny De Faux returns to LTF this year with two of her beautiful and talented chums, Violet Pain and Debs Buckle. You’re guaranteed dragtastic music, dance, comedy, games, and general gorgeousness in a show that’s suitable for age six upwards.

How do I get to the Bombed Out Church?

There are plenty of city centre bus services that’ll take you to or near to the Bombed Out Church – and Central station is the nearest station with only a short walk up Bold Street to get you there.

Can I park at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church?

Unfortunately there is no onsite parking, but there are a number of 24-hour car parks within walking distance of the venue. There are also on-street parking bays located on Bold Place operated by pay & display parking meters, which are next to the venue.

Where can I find out what’s on when?

You can find out what shows are on which date, together with a full synopsis, on the Liverpool Theatre Festival website.

For more info on Liverpool Theatre Festival click HERE.